Contrary to what many visitors believe, the Sacre Coeur is not very old. It was built after the 19th century French Cold Civil War. There are buildings in the United States that are far older than this Parisian landmark.
It is perched on a hill in Montmartre not unlike a garrison keeping an eye on all below it.
Its highest point is higher than the highest point of the Eiffel Tower.
Thus has it imposed itself as a symbol of Paris as much as La Dame de Fer and the Arc de Triomphe, always used for an establishing shot by every movie producer as the shortest way to tell viewers where the story is unfolding.
Venice 1610: Galileo finished refining a telescope he built to be able to observe the night sky. In the same year, he published his book The Starry Messenger where he shared his thoughts on what he had observed.
Rome 2011: With 500 lit candles, French artists Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil, created “I Will Keep a Light Burning” to celebrate the 400th year anniversary of Galileo’s achievement. The candles were arranged to recreate the starry sky that Galileo observed through the telescope he painstakingly put together on the night of 14 April 1611.
This same work was reproduced for the Paris Nuit Blanche 2011 on October 1 at Square Louise Michel in Montmartre.
Here is our contribution to Budget Travelers Sandbox for Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday. Why not get over there and see many more photo contributions?
Rue Cortot in Montmartre could be briefly seen in “Everyone Says I Love You”, the first film Woody Allen shot in Paris. An establishing shot was made implying his character’s second flat was located here. The interior shots, however, were taken in another apartment, higher up the hill.
La Dame de Fer – always the star whenever a movie is shot in Paris
This Thursday’s submission to Travel Photo Thursday initiated by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Have a look at her blog and check out what other travel bloggers and photographers are posting.
This Guest Review is brought to you by Marks & Spencers
Nowadays, the film industry seem to put visual beauty and imagery lower in their priorities, preferring faster paced jostling action themes.
This is a bit of a pity because for some the cinema mainly provides a visual experience. Sometimes, we all just want to sit back and watch something serene and beautiful.
It is no wonder that most people nowadays would rather watch their selected movies at home.
Take for example Woody Allen’s latest movie, Midnight in Paris, which is now many people’s favourite. A film that people, who’ve been to Paris and fell in love with the city, would want to watch over and over. (Much like the film Amelie.)
“Midnight in Paris” is quite a surprise success, even for Woody Allen. This film is quite unique in that it combines a number of different factors not commonly seen in one package. There is a blend of something very Hollywood about its style and something thoroughly artistic that could appeal even to Parisians. There is no denying the film’s beauty.
While the plot in itself is somewhat intriguing, it is the feel of this film that truly makes it special. Whether we are watching Wilson meandering through the gorgeous streets of Paris late at night, or witnessing the joy with which 1920’s artists dominated the social landscape of the town, it is all pure delight to watch.
This would be a film one can watch over and over and enjoy in the comfort of one’s living room.
With today’s improved television options available, there is no more need to go out to the cinema. Quality television sets are now quite affordable. Pick up a plasma screen or an LED TV from Marks and Spencer and watch films with superior visual quality.
You now have the full choice of what movie you would want to watch.
